Cold Feet

CHRISTINE

After the skank leaves, I turn on Rick.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask.

“Hey,” he says. “I didn’t do anything. You saw what happened.”

“How the hell did you meet that skank?”

Rick decides to omit their history. “She works with Lara. Lara asked her to step in after James’ stroke. You know she hasn’t been at work since his stroke.”

“Well, what the hell? Am I supposed to believe that she just decided to try and kiss you right now? How long have you been working on the wedding together?”

“Christine,” Rick says putting his hands on my shoulders. I brush him off. “Listen, it wasn’t my choice. Lara recommended her after James’ stroke. I trust Lara’s judgement. I had no idea she was going to do that.”

Rick can’t be honest. He thinks it will just make Viola’s situation worse. In all honesty though, he hadn’t tried to do anything.

“What the hell is wrong with your shirt?” I ask realizing that it’s wet.

“She spilled coffee on it.,” I reply.

“Oh how sweet. So she could pretend to wipe it off and feel you up?” I ask cynically.

“Actually, I think it was an honest mistake,” Rick replies.

“What, are you defending her now?” I ask. I’m looking for someone to vent on and he’s the only one in the room.

“Chris, calm down please. It’s over. She’s gone and …”

“You’re damn right she’s gone,” I say. “I’m calling Lara.”

Rick wants to object but he doesn’t. He knows there’s no point. It’ll only make matters worse. I dial Lara and when she answers I first ask her about James. She tells me he hasn’t improved. I then proceed to tell her what just happened and tell her I demand that she fires Viola.

Lara is shocked and struggles to believe it. I put Rick on the phone and he confirms what happened. He hands the phone back to me and Lara tells me, she’ll let Viola go and apologizes. I apologize to Lara as well because I know she has no other back up which means she’ll have to return to the office to run the business herself.

Then I grab Rick and take him home. That night we make love like we have not made love in a long while and I realize I have been neglecting him for Grady. I realize I need to be careful or I could blow this.

and phone. I apologize to her again for putting her in the predicament she’s in now. I offer to send over one of my staff to

to make sure I spend more time with Rick. He asks me to keep the next weekend open and I guess that’s the wedding day. When I see Grady

do you mean you think it’s

never does that and since I told him to arrange everything for the wedding, I’m guessing this is it. He never tells me to keep days open. All things are

asks. “Haven’t I proved myself to you enough? How much is it going to take before you decide I’ve done enough. I’m beginning to think you’re simply holding

the poor, little rich boy going to cry?” I ask sarcastically. “Don’t forget who left who the first time.

Grady asks, the irritation in his

but it’s not your decision to make. You agreed to

well I’m beginning to think that maybe I shouldn’t

What’s that supposed to mean?” I

then make a decision one way or the other. Clouding your vision with another asshole on the side isn’t doing either of us any favors. Even worse, you’re planning to marry him but will leave him just like this,” Grady snaps his fingers, “if you decide you want to be with me. Why do you want to endure the shit of a divorce

a little child! You’re allowed to fuck people over but don’t let it happen to you. Right? Well if you don’t like

my apartment,” Grady reminds

me I know where

“Maybe,” he replies angrily.

bag and head for the door. I slam it behind me and head for the elevator lobby.

elevator is made of glass and I can see down to the lobby of the hotel. I press the button

he pulls me close and kisses me. It takes me a moment before I respond. I have wanted Grady since I saw him again and as much as I have been denying him sex with me I have been denying myself. I’m crazy with desire and at last I respond to

looking at me

“Fuck!’ I say.

look where I’m looking but

decision quickly. “Don’t get out of the elevator with me. Go back up. Don’t go

“Why? What’s the matter?”

toward the elevators. I hope I can get out before she get’s to them. I don’t want her to see

out before Lara’s arrived. “Go!” I say to Grady. He punches a number on the elevator panel and presses

smile as innocently as possible and starts walking towards her. She reaches me,

that?” she

she’d seen

you just kiss Grady

nod. “Lara, it’s not what you think it is. He just grabbed me and kissed

It didn’t look a whole lot like

he’s strong. I promise you